Terror: Aurangabad on police watchlist

August 26, 2009 21:14 IST

A suspected Lashkar militant was ordered to be taken to Aurangabad in Maharashtra from New Delhi in connection with a terror-related case. Mohammad Aslam, known as Saleem, was produced on Wednesday before the Magistrate's court in Delhi following which the order was passed.

The prosecution alleged that Saleem was linked to several cases in Gujarat and also in Maharashtra and hence there was a need that he be taken to these places so that investigations could be furthered.

Sources told rediff.com that the interrogation conducted on Saleem have revealed that he had links with two other persons who were operating out of Aurangabad. Moreover they are also trying to ascertain whether he was involved in the 2006 Mumbai blasts.

Aurangabad has been a hunting ground for terror groups since 2005.

ATS sources say that there have been several instances when large hauls of RDX had been seized from Aurangabad. Over the past few years, groups such as the Lashkar have set up several cells in this place. There is a growing concern of this place becoming a major hub for terror activity and the interrogation of Saleem would reveal and help prevent the growth of Lashkar in this town.

Security agencies warned that India could become a victim of another terror strike.

So, it has become necessary for the police to interrogate Saleem and his links in Aurangabad.

The police suspect that the RDX which comes into Maharashtra usually is dumped in Aurangabad and this fact has been proven even after the Mumbai blasts in 2006. Immediately after the 2006 blasts, the police had recovered a huge consignment of RDX from Aurangabad.

Police sources say that Saleem is in the know of several operations that take place in Aurangabad and Gujarat.

Apart from the investigation of Saleem, the IB has also picked up intercepts that terror groups such as the Lashkar is planning on delivering a huge chunk of arms and ammunition at Aurangabad and Gujarat in order to carry out strikes in India.

Sources say Saleem who was trained in PoK had infiltrated into India with a specific motive. Sources indicate that Saleem undertook training in Gujarat.